The Arabic Minor

Why Learn Arabic?

Today Arabic is the official language of over 22 countries and there are well over 350 million native speakers of the language. These speakers are largely concentrated in the Middle East, but there are minority groups of native speakers throughout the world. It is also an official language of the United Nations, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Conference, and the African Union. In addition to the millions of native speakers, many more millions know Arabic as a foreign language, since as the language of the Qu'ran, it is understood by Muslims throughout the world. Those who study Arabic can find careers in a variety of fields: journalism, business and industry, education, finance and banking, translation and interpretation, consulting, foreign service and intelligence, and many others. Only 1 % of the United States 12,000 FBI agents have any knowledge of Arabic at all, and this includes those who know only a few words. The State of Ohio and The US government has designated Arabic as a language of strategic importance. The National Strategic Language Initiative instituted in 2006 promotes the learning of Arabic. These include support for language courses from beginning to advanced levels, study abroad programs, intensive instruction opportunities, teacher exchanges, and professional development.

For students looking to add a second major or minor within the Modern Languages department, please download this form and see the section coordinator for the language classes you wish to enroll in.

Requirements

Requires 12 credits at the 300-Upper -level (beyond Arabic 202) must be at the 300-level or above. No more than 10 transfer credits may be counted toward the minor.

Upper-level Arabic courses

301 COMPOSITION AND CONVERSATION 4 credits

Prerequisite: 202 or equivalent. Further development of language skills acquired at the intermediate level: Writing, Speaking, Listening Comprehension and Reading. (Conducted in Arabic).

302 ARABIC MEDIA 4 credits

Prerequisite 202 or equivalent. Further development of practical language skills with a focus on Arabic media. The course also will enrich students’ understanding of Arabic culture. (Conducted in Arabic).

303 INTRODUCTION TO MODERN ARABIC LITERATURE 4 credits

Prerequisite: 202 or equivalent. Enhancement of students’ communicative skills with emphasis on development of the ability to read, appreciate and discuss Modern Arabic Literature. (Conducted in Arabic).

304 CULTURAL READINGS IN ARABIC 4 credits

Prerequisite: 202 or equivalent. Enhancement of communicative skills in Arabic with a focus on development of the ability to read, appreciate and discuss Arabic writing. (Conducted in Arabic).

311 ARABIC CULTURAL EXPERIENCE ABROAD 1-8 credits

Prerequisite: permission of Department chair. Residence and study abroad in an Arabic-speaking country. May be repeated once with different content. Only 8 credits allowable for minor in Arabic.

422 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ARABIC 1-4 credits

Prerequisite: Two of the group 301, 302, 303, 304 or permission of instructor. Development of specialized language skills or reading of significant works of literature or culture not studied in other courses. (Conducted in Arabic.) (May be repeated once with different topic for a maximum total of 8 credits.)

497 INDIVIDUAL READING IN ARABIC 1-4 credits

Prerequisite: 202 and permission of the instructor and department chair. Individual study under the guidance of professor. May be repeated once with departmental permission for a total of 8 credits.